How to write an outstanding staff profile

Knowing how to write an outstanding staff profile can be challenging – particularly if you’re trying to write about yourself.

The purpose of a profile is to tell a little of your story, to encourage readers to relate to you, and to nurture what we call the “know, like & trust factor”. Most people want to know who they’re dealing with, and get to know, like and trust you before they commit to doing business with you. This is particularly true for service businesses and higher cost products.

Other than detailing what you do, how you do it, where you do it and what your specialties are, your profile should include any major achievements, awards and successes you’ve experienced.

For many of us, it can be difficult to say good things, to celebrate our successes and tout our accomplishments. While for others, these are things they’re always ready to shout from the nearest rooftop!

If, like most of us, you’re in the first group, fear not! Here are

Here are 5 top tips on how to write an outstanding staff profile:

1. Find a buddy

Ask a colleague or friend to interview you. Set out a list of questions and ask them to note your answers. This might sound silly, but the process of being interviewed can bring out information you may not have otherwise divulged (only if you want to!).

2. Hers or mine?

Should one write in the first person or third person – that is “I” versus “Tom”? For an outstanding staff profile, it is advisable to ALWAYS use the third person. The reason is that, when we’re told something good about an individual or business, we tend to believe a “neutral” third party’s opinion over and above the individual themselves. This is just human nature. The words “I” and “my can sound self-important and pretentious in a profile, which doesn’t encourage the reader to know, like and trust you.

Which of the following statements do you find more believable and likable?

“Tom demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm for property. He is known for his dedication to incredible customer service and strong focus on achieving the best possible results for his valued clients”.

“I demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for property. I am known for my dedication to incredible customer service and I have a strong focus on achieving the best possible results for my valued clients”.

3. Use everyday language

Think about your reader and write for them. Use terms they will be familiar with, rather than too much technical language or jargon.

Be sure to check for spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes – these are so very easy to make and overlook. Ask someone else to proofread your document before you publish it, and be sure to make any corrections.

4. Include a recent photo

It’s surprising how many people don’t have their photo on their profile. People do business with people, so they want to know what you look like. This goes back to the whole know, like and trust factor you’re trying to build.

Invest in using a professional photographer, as they have good lighting and will advise you on various angles which may suit you face shape or the image you wish to portray. If possible, smile in the photo. You don’t have to look like the Cheshire Cat, but you do want to look friendly and approachable. Your photo and profile should make your prospects want to pick up the phone and call you.

5. Toot your horn, but not too loudy!

This can be a bit tricky. It’s also where a professional writer can be of great value. You should mention if you’ve won an award, achieved great sales figures, topped your class at University or have any other significant achievements. However, it’s easy to come across as being an overachiever if you have more than a few, and you need to be careful not to sound conceited as well.

Writing in the third person can help, or simply stating the name and year the award was won. Using bullet points, rather than elaborate paragraphs can also assist with simply stating the achievement, while not “bragging too much”.

For example:

Winner – Sales Achiever of the Year, Excel Sales Company, 2015

Another tip is to keep your achievements relevant to your audience. If you won an award in a previous job, and you’ve changed direction in your career, or if you won something at school and you’ve been out in the workforce for more than ten years, the award may not be worth mentioning.

One final tip …

As with any type of writing, it’s a good idea to get someone else to read your profile before you publish it – whether it’s in print or online. If possible, find a person who doesn’t know you well, ask them to read your profile, and then ask them what kind of assumptions they made about you based on the information they read in your profile. Ask for open, honest feedback because you want your profile to portray the best possible image of you while also being accurate! Ask them if they think you’ve an outstanding staff profile – or not.

Hi, I’m Lyndall Guinery-Smith, The Professional Writer. I have a strong background in small business management and I love to write copy which attracts and engages your customers – improving your bottom line. I happily work with clients all around Australia. Email me to arrange an obligation-free discussion about your latest project.